Total pages in book: 211
Estimated words: 201554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1008(@200wpm)___ 806(@250wpm)___ 672(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 201554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1008(@200wpm)___ 806(@250wpm)___ 672(@300wpm)
Davis eyes his phone and then says. “The call is ready for us. And they don’t know about Moore. I think we should keep it that way.”
“We’ll talk about Moore when we’re done in here,” Grayson says, his gaze meeting Eric’s. “Don’t you agree?”
“I’m never very agreeable,” I reply. “Which is why you like me so damn much.” With that, Eric’s hand slides to my back and urges me to sit.
Our call starts, and when I’m introduced, I slide into shmooze mode, pleased when I get the three men on the line laughing. They actually tell Grayson I’m charming and the look of approval in Grayson’s eyes pleases me.
Eventually we get to talking about the contract, and even knowing very little about these negotiations, I feel we end on a good note with positive moves to a final agreement. When the meeting concludes, we exit the room and Grayson motions between Eric and Davis. “My office, you two.” While Davis and Eric never look at each other their energy reads—we’re screwed.
Eric stands his ground and presents his case. “What if Jon really is plotting against us and you blow him off? You’re the one who knows him the best out of all of us and he’s close to you. And he’s a good friend to have on our side. Just make sure he is.”
“My office,” Grayson repeats and this time, he starts walking, which clearly equates to—nice try.
Eric’s jaw clenches and he glances down at me. “This may take a while.” With that, he and Davis, follow Grayson toward his office, where the three friends will butt heads in a brutal struggle over who gets to protect who. Considering the reason for the war ahead, I think there are worse battles to suffer.
I think he’s right. He kisses me and walks away. “How about some coffee?” Mia asks. “We never really finished our last cup.”
We head toward the breakroom and I glance at my phone to find ten messages from my mother. I punch the last one, which will be her at her most agitated. He’s guarding me because he’s hiding from his own secrets, that I know. You’re guarding him because you’re brainwashed. I’ll handle him. You’ll thank me one day.
My stomach churns. How is this person my mother?
And what exactly is she going to do to “handle” Eric?
Chapter one hundred seventeen
Harper
Idon’t dare discount my mother’s threat toward Eric, when she seems to be all about tsunami-style reactions to everything these days. “I have a little problem, Mia,” I announce. “I need to go to the conference room. I’m sorry.”
“Can I help?”
“No, thank you. It’s my mother being difficult.”
“Ah,” she says, understanding registering. “Well go. Handle it. I’ll be here if you need me.”
I believe her and I appreciate it, but this thing with my mother is embarrassing. I hurry back to the conference room where we met Blake and shut the door before punching in his number. “Thank God,” I breathe out when he answers. “My mother is just insane.”
“She’s a character,” he replies, which I translate to he concurs. “I heard the message,” he adds. “What’s your take?”
“I don’t know this version of my mother to answer that question.”
“You know more than you think. Go with your gut.”
“She won’t do anything to hurt her reputation or that of the company. I don’t think she’ll go after Eric publicly.”
“But you think she’ll go after him?”
“If she gets a chance,” I confirm, and I hate how easily I answer.
“Then we don’t let her get the chance,” he concludes.
“You make that sound easy.”
“I’ve contained military geniuses,” he assures me. “I can handle your mother.”
“Has she called anyone?”
“No one. I’ll keep monitoring. You just stick by Eric’s side and keep doing what you're doing.”
We disconnect and the door opens. Eric joins me and I don’t get up. I think he’ll want to sit to hear about my mother. “Well?” I ask.
He claims the seat next to me. “He’s going to the Hamptons.”
“Oh good. Considering his mood, I’m not sure how you managed that, but I’m glad you did.”
“He didn’t fall for the David ploy, but I made him think about Mia’s safety.” Concern slides over his face. “What’s going on? Why are you in here?”
I sigh. “I already talked to Blake.”
His hand flattens on the table, as if he’s ready to launch himself into action. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s just my mother again.”
“And?”
I replay my mother's message and the ending really grinds through me. I’ll handle him. You’ll thank me one day.
When it’s over, Eric says, “It’s more of the same. Why are you worried? Where’s your head on this?”
“I’ve never heard her speak a vicious word in her life until recently and it’s really making me think bad things. I’m just worried and Blake said to go with my gut. That means there’s a reason to worry.” I draw a breath and dare to ask what I’ve barely let myself think. “Did she hire the assassin?”